Memorial Day

Today we remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we could live in a free country. Many people would argue, and correctly so, that our rights protected under the constitution define our free country but I would like to expound on what those rights keep our country is free from. One of many things our country is free from is the tyranny of a dictator or the rule of a king. When this country was founded everyday people took up arms and cast off the largest fighting force of the day and the rule of a crown with only hope and Gods unwavering grace. When the dust settled and the new government was put in place, the people were made kings and queens over their own destinies. Years later, many come to the realization that the constitution had not been equally applied and the rights therein not granted to everyone, which leads me to my second point. Our country is free from slavery, our countries greatest darkest hour and greatest embarrassment. In light of the fact that our nation had to fight it's way to freedom from tyranny, I will never understand this part of our nation's history. Having been ruled over themselves, why they thought it just to rule over another. As it turns out, I would not have been alone in my thinking had I lived in that era. There were many who believed it so strongly that without having anything to gain, other than freedom for a people who had been dehumanized by their rulers and the freedom of conscience, fought the bloodiest battle this nation has ever seen before or since. Willing to lay down their life to do the right thing, so that others could be free. There are many countries in the world today that still have forms of open slavery and many more who have barely outlawed the practice. I have seen and heard many people be very critical of the fact that soldiers are sent out to conflict around the world. Whether or not you agree with the wars we fight is completely beside the point. Courageous Americans have stepped up, raised their right hand, swore an oath to protect this country and took the fight to the enemy on their soil not ours. We have enjoyed an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity here in on our land free from full out war, paid for with with the blood of the American Soldier. In conclusion I would just like to state the old adage and perhaps put my own spin on it.

Freedom isn't Free and it isn't cheap. It is paid for by love, the most precious resource given to us by our Creator.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13